OLYMPIA, Wash. -(Ammoland.com)- Steve Bear, a longtime law enforcement officer and former head of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, was sworn in today as the new chief of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Law Enforcement Program.
Bear was selected to lead the program following a nationwide search. He brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience to his new role, including 10 years as either director or deputy director with the Alaska Wildlife Troopers.
“Steve brings a wealth of natural resource knowledge and a fresh perspective to the department,” said WDFW Director Jim Unsworth. “The Enforcement Program is crucial to fulfilling our legal responsibilities and protecting the state’s fish and wildlife. I am confident Steve will meet those objectives with professionalism and vigilance.”
For Bear, his personal experience has underscored the need for responsible stewardship of wild resources.
“Growing up hunting, fishing, and trapping, I developed a strong sense of just how important natural resources are to everyone,” Bear said. “What draws me to this line of work is the idea of protecting those resources for this generation and future generations.”
Bear replaces Steve Crown, who left WDFW in 2016 to head the Wenatchee Police Department. WDFW Capt. Chris Anderson served as interim chief while the search for a replacement was conducted. As chief, Bear will oversee 156 personnel, including 130 commissioned officers.